A Storm-Season Checklist for Your Home's Exterior

Wind and heavy rain find the weak points in a home's exterior. Checking a few key areas before storm season lets you deal with small problems before they become bigger ones.

Roof

• From the ground, use binoculars to look for missing, cracked or lifted shingles.
• Check flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights.
• Look in the attic for daylight, damp patches or water stains.

Gutters and downspouts

• Clear leaves and debris so water can drain freely.
• Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Look for sagging sections or loose brackets.

Siding, windows and doors

• Look for cracked, loose or missing siding panels.
• Check caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors.

Trees and the yard

• Look for dead or overhanging branches near the house or power lines. Leave work near power lines to the utility company or a qualified professional.
• Secure outdoor furniture and anything that could be blown around.

After a storm

Stay away from fallen power lines and report them to your utility company. Photograph any damage before cleaning up, contact your insurer, and be cautious of anyone going door to door offering immediate repairs.

If you spot a problem, you can request quotes for gutters, roofing or siding work.